Kościeliska Valley - Mountain Refuge at Hala Ornak
Town: Kiry Nearby: Zakopanebeach_access Route in the shade
wb_sunny Route in the sun
restaurant Restaurant or bar nearby
directions_car Access by car
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
train Access by train possible
wc Toilet along the route
Kościeliska Valley is one of the most popular valleys in the Polish Tatra Mountains - no wonder, right from the beginning it offers stunning views and you don't have to go far to see the beauty of the mountains! If you are looking for a peaceful family walk with beautiful views, meadows where children can run around, and a stream to approach - you will find it all here! Another advantage of the valley is the presence of caves and easy, scenic trails for children.
- The valley can be traversed with a stroller, even in winter (although the end is very rocky and can be icy and slippery)
- The valley offers breathtaking views
- In summer, there is a mountain hut where you can try oscypek, a local cheese
- Many other attractions: caves and a rocky gorge
- At the end of the valley, there is a mountain refuge called Hala Ornak
Kościeliska Valley - How to get there, parking
The beginning of Kościeliska Valley is the village of Kiry - you can get there by bus from Zakopane or by your own car. At the beginning of the valley, there are several large paid parking lots, as well as inns and stalls. Entrance to the Tatra National Park is subject to a fee.
Kościeliska Valley with a stroller
Kościeliska Valley has the shape of a long gorge, where the rocks come close to each other in several places, creating so-called gates. It is a great idea for a family walk with a stroller - a significant part of the valley, although not paved, is well-packed and the stroller can be easily pushed. However, you won't be able to reach the mountain refuge with a stroller - towards the end of the valley, the road becomes narrower, rockier, and starts to ascend. The stroller-friendly part of the valley can also be traversed by a traditional horse-drawn carriage or sled in winter.
Other Trails and Attractions in Kościeliska Valley
If you are not using a stroller, it is worth deviating from the beaten path and exploring other attractions in Kościeliska Valley - you will find many caves, the fairytale-like Kraków Gorge and Dragon's Den, the charming Smreczyński Pond, and the scenic Hala Stoły.
1. Przysłop Miętusi
This pass has the shape of a vast, flat saddle. It has a large meadow and a place to rest. The trail to Przysłop Miętusi is not difficult in good weather, and the views are impressive! From the pass, you can also see Giewont - we see it from the side: more like a helmet or the sleeping knight's hat ;)
2. Kraków Gorge and Dragon's Den
Even with younger children, you can enter and see the gorge with its steep, narrow walls. Moss-covered boulders create a fairytale atmosphere. Allegedly, the rocky walls were supposed to resemble the narrow streets of Kraków and the stone houses that lined them - hence the name of the gorge. At the end of the gorge, you will find the Dragon's Den - the cave is short, but exploring it is an interesting challenge for older children!
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Krakow Gorge and Dragon's Lair Cave in Kościeliska Valley
3. Hala Stoły
This scenic meadow in Kościeliska Valley is dotted with former shepherd's huts. The ascent to Hala Stoły is not technically difficult and can be conquered by a preschooler - although, as is often the case with mountains, it requires some fitness as we ascend about 360 meters. From the meadow, you can also see the peak of the sleeping knight!
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Hala Stoły - Scenic Meadow in the Kościeliska Valley
4. Smreczyński Pond
This charming pond is a post-glacial lake. The trail to the pond starts near the mountain refuge at Hala Ornak, at the end of Kościeliska Valley.
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Smreczyński Staw - Trail from Kościeliska Valley
Kościeliska Valley in Winter with a Stroller
Kościeliska Valley is cleared of snow in winter, with plows and vehicles transporting supplies to the mountain refuge. Therefore, there is a packed snowy road leading to the refuge. Many people have traversed it with a stroller equipped with inflatable wheels (the passability depends on weather conditions, if it keeps snowing, it can be difficult, you probably won't reach the mountain refuge with a stroller in winter). However, sleds and a warm sleeping bag are great solutions for children. There are also many hills near the valley where older kids can sled down.
Mountain Refuge at Hala Ornak
Kościeliska Valley offers so many scenic spots and attractions that it is impossible to see everything in one day! It is definitely worth staying here longer and enjoying the morning view of the mountains, which you can immediately explore! The mountain refuge offers warm meals and accommodation. Beds with bedding, bathrooms on the same floor as the rooms, which is convenient for parents with younger children. Guests have access to a spacious lounge, books, and board games. The refuge has been renovated.
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